With NFL Preseason Week 1 in the books, it’s time to react. Which players were the top winners from the first week of the preseason?
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Jayden Daniels ADP is Going to RISE
Jayden Daniels appears to be everything Washington wanted when they selected him No. 2 overall in the NFL Draft. He played only one series, but that was all that drafters needed to see. Two plays that were pure fantasy bliss stood out: a 42-yard downfield pass to Dyami Brown and a three-yard TD run after a fake handcuff to Austin Ekeler. The question with Daniels is not whether or not he will be drafted as a QB1, but if he will be pushed inside of the top 7 QBs by the end of the month.
Jahan Dotson Post Hype Sleeper
Jahan Dotson was a major disappointment in 2023 but looks poised for a bounce-back season.
Dotson lined up in the slot with Terry McLaurin and Dyami Brown on the outside. He should excel in that role, and the Kliff Kingsbury offense will feature three WR sets early and often. Dotson scored seven TDs in only 12 games in 2023. Last year, that number dipped to four. This new role should provide advantageous matchups for Dotson, and his 4.4 speed and downfield ability could make for some big plays. Look for his ADP to trend up this month.
Caleb Williams SZN is on Schedule
Williams started and looked like a franchise savior. He connected with D.J. Moore twice for 27 yards and found D’Andre Swift on a 42-yard screen pass. Williams also displayed his underrated two-way ability with a 13-yard rush finished by a slide to avoid a big hit. Everything we wanted to see from Williams was on display. The Chicago offense could have it’s best season in years. All the pieces are in place with Williams leading the charge.
The Tales of Javonte Williams’ Demise Were Greatly Exaggerated
Williams played nine snaps with the starters. He had four carries and was targeted two times. More importantly, he was well ahead of the threats to his starting role. Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin mixed in with rookie Audric Estime appearing to be buried.
Braelon Allen is a PRIORITY Handcuff and a Potential Handcuff Plus
Allen treated Washington Commanders defenders much like the opposition he faced as a Wisconsin Badger.
He rushed six times for 54 yards. Allen is not only the running back to roster behind Breece Hall in New York but also a good bet for seeing weekly touches. A potential goal line role could be problematic for Hall managers.
Hollywood Brown Injures His Shoulder – Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are Trending Up
Brown has dealt with injuries in the past, and he now has another one early on in the preseason. A dislocated collarbone puts his Week 1 status very much in the air. Look for Rice and Worthy to line up as the starting WRs, and both should see their ADPs tick up. A Rice suspension is looking less and less likely by the day.
Sam Darnold in the Spotlight
J.J. McCarthy was the talk of the game fantasy-wise, finishing with 188 passing yards and two TD passes. Darnold played well on one series, finishing with 59 passing yards. On Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings announced that McCarthy tore his meniscus and will need surgery. After a star-crossed NFL career, Darnold gets another chance to show why the New York Jets selected him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. If Darnold struggles, Minnesota could be in for a long season. If any coaching staff can maximize Darnold’s strengths, it is Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings.
Tank Dell Reminder
Dell did not line up in two WR sets but lined up with 11 personnel and was moved around the field inside and outside. The Houston Texans WRs are a problem for the rest of the league, and Dell is a major reason why. While his overall snaps could trail Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins, Dell will put up fantasy-friendly numbers.
Dell broke multiple tackles on a 32-yard TD grab, showing the speed and elusiveness that propelled him to 15 FPPG as a rookie. Draft some Texans this year. They are going to score a lot of points.
Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren: No Answers
Drafters are selecting Harris and Warren virtually neck and neck in multiple formats, and anyone looking for some information about one back emerging certainly did not get it in this game. Per PFF, Harris and Warren each ran three routes, and Harris edged Warren out 9-8 on snaps. Each running back should be productive, but it is hard to imagine one crushing their current ADP with this usage.
The Miami Dolphins Have Another Weapon
Jaylen Wright is buried deep on the current depth chart, but it is hard to imagine him not beating out Jeff Wilson for the job as the No. 3 back. On a team that continually utilized two running backs, Wright earning the No. 3 job would put him in line as a contingent upside play behind De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
Wright looked like a monster, displaying vision and speed on his way to rushing ten times for 55 yards and a touchdown. The Dolphins seemingly can’t miss when it comes to offensive skill position players during the Mike McDaniel era, and Wright should add to that list.
Brock Bowers is a PROBLEM
Bowers is being selected as a TE1 in ADP, and it took one drive to see why. One of the most highly regarded TE prospects ever, Bowers enters his rookie season with lofty expectations. The Raiders appear ready to deliver on them. Bowers played 11 of 14 snaps and finished with two catches for 25 yards. He lined up in multiple spots, including fullback. Head Coach Antonio Pierce has talked up Bowers’s YAC ability, and it appears the Raiders are intent on getting the ball in his hands.
Did the Rams Steal Another One?
Jordan Whittington was a prospect that many liked. Still, he lacked buzz during the NFL Draft process. His college teammates Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, and Jonathon Brooks garnered most of the attention. Whittington fell to the 6th round but landed perfectly in Los Angeles. The Rams uncovered fantasy football gems like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams on Day 3.
LA has landed another potential rookie stud with Whittington. He flashed in LA’s win, finishing with six catches for 74 yards. He looked fast and explosive. Head Coach Sean McVay sung his praises, stating that “he is going to be a factor for us.” Keep an eye on Whittington this season and beyond. At the very least, the Rams WR room has considerable depth.
For more from Theo Gremminger, check out this article – Fantasy Football Sleepers – 10 Players to Target in Fantasy Drafts (playerprofiler.com)
